THE POWER SHORTAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26491, 19 June 1947, Page 4

THE POWER SHORTAGE

Sir.—Your report of Mr Semple s belated search for steam turbine generating plant is interesting, but Dunedin people, with the certainty of a power famine lor the next five or six years until Coal Creek hydro scheme is in operation, will possibly be much more interested in the following extract from the January, 1947, issue of a gazette, published by one of the largest makers of steam turbine plant in Great Britain: —"Work is in hand on more than 60 turbo-alternators <?f a total capacity of 2,000,000 kw. Twenty-four of these are of 30,000 kw and over. A considerable number are for the Central Electricity Board’s programme. In addition, the company has in hand a large number for export, varying in size from 1500 kw to 50,000 kw. Amongst these are sets for Australia, Southern Rhodesia, and India. Among machines tested and shipped are two 25,000 kw sets for U.S.S.R.” There are at least three other firms in Great Britain whose output is probably as large as the one referred to above. No doubt these are the facts mentioned by Dr Dunsheath m his recent broadcast, which has stirred things up a bit. It is up to South Islanders to see that the agitation is kept up.—l am, etc., Too Little and Too Late. June 17.

Sir,—l see that the City Council is concerned about a number of churches having excessive illumination. Just fancy having a light burning outside of the church for an hour of a Sunday night, to say that is excessive illumination! I think they have very little to complain of in this case, when they are preaching the Word of God. The authorities should see that lights are put off in milk bars, where they are blazing every night of the week, including Sundays.—l am, etc., Justice.

Sir,—Cr Wright’s review of the gas shortage has prompted me to make a few observations and inquiries regarding the use of this commodity by the Railways Department. While citizens of this city are compelled to endeavour to cook meals under conditions appropriate to circus life, the surburban trains are allowed to run in and out all day without any conservation of gas. One particular train had the total of 40 lights burning. In conversation with an employee of the railways, I was able to glean the fact that last week suburban passengers, even with a gas shortage, were able to filch from the sorely-tried housewives the staggering total of 55,000 cubic feet of gas. My informant states this was the reading for last week. If this is, correct, what steps has Cr Wright taken to overcome this wanton waste, as he surely must know of this huge drain—l am, etc., Equality of Sacrifice.

[No comment on this letter was obtainable from the civic authorities.—Ed., O.D.T.]

Sir,—l, too, am like “ Shut ’em All Off.’ All in Milton pay 8d a unit for so many, after that it is 2d per unit. I am doing my best to save power, but will I gain much? The Power Board will still get its 8d a unit, while I burn extra wood and coal to keep my irons hot and kettles boiling. My neighbours on either side have electric washers and cleaners and use them. They will use what I save, no doubt. Now if the first units used were charged less and the units over any given number were charged a higher rate, some would not be using so much power and we could then all save a bit. • As for broadcasting, being busy myself all day, evening is the only time I use my radio, and on Sunday afternoon. Now it is cut off on that day, so I will not have that pleasure. My family are at work all week, and some on Saturday, so they too will only have that day for radio listening and discussing the various programmes. I think ” Shut’em All Off has the right idea, but who is he or she against so many?—l am, etc., Had Enough. Milton, June 18.